6.4 The Goryeo Gayo: Indigenous Korean poetry of the period

Goryeo Gayo, indigenous Korean poetry from the Goryeo dynasty, marked a shift towards vernacular expression. These poems, rooted in oral tradition and musical performance, focused on love, nature, and daily life using simple structures and repetitive refrains.

Bridging earlier Hyangga and later sijo forms, Goryeo Gayo contrasted with elite Hanshi poetry. Its emotional directness and use of natural imagery influenced subsequent Korean poetic styles, contributing to a distinct cultural identity separate from Chinese influence.

Goryeo Gayo Characteristics and Themes

Origins and Linguistic Features

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• Goryeo Gayo emerged during the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392) as vernacular Korean poems
• Composed in Korean language instead of Classical Chinese increased accessibility to general population
• Originated from oral tradition and musical performance reflected in fixed rhythmic patterns
• Employed repetitive refrains or choruses enhanced musical qualities
• Simpler and more direct structure compared to contemporary poetic forms focused on emotional expression
• Vernacular composition marked a shift towards indigenous literary expression

Thematic Content and Symbolism

• Love, nature, and daily life formed primary themes in Goryeo Gayo
• Emotions of longing, separation, and reunion frequently expressed in poems
• Natural imagery (flowers, birds, seasons) used as symbols to convey human emotions and experiences
• Buddhist and Confucian influences incorporated religious and philosophical concepts
• Tension between official duties and personal desires portrayed complex social dynamics
• Local legends, historical events, and folk beliefs preserved cultural memory of Goryeo period

Goryeo Gayo vs Other Korean Poetry

Comparison with Hanshi and Hyangga

• Goryeo Gayo bridged earlier Hyangga tradition and later sijo poetry development
• Shared focus on Korean language and themes with Hyangga but differed in simpler structure
• Contrasted with Hanshi's use of Classical Chinese and association with elite scholarly class
• Musical qualities distinguished Goryeo Gayo from literary-focused Hanshi
• Emphasized performance and oral tradition unlike more text-based poetic forms
• Wider audience appeal contributed to more inclusive Korean literary culture development

Influence on Korean Poetic Tradition

• Emotional directness in Goryeo Gayo influenced later Korean poetic forms (sijo)
• Use of natural imagery impacted subsequent poetic styles in Joseon period
• Served as transition between complex Hyangga and refined sijo forms
• Contributed to development of distinct Korean cultural identity separate from Chinese influence
• Elevated status of vernacular poetry in Korean literary tradition
• Bridged gap between elite and popular literary traditions in Korea

Major Goryeo Gayo Poets

Notable Contributors

• Yi Kyu-bo (1168-1241) composed numerous Goryeo Gayo and elevated vernacular poetry status
• Choe Chung (984-1068) credited with "Cheongsan Byeolgok," famous early Goryeo Gayo example
• Jeong Ji-sang (1376-1432) preserved and transmitted Goryeo Gayo traditions in early Joseon period
• Anonymous poets shaped popular appeal and thematic diversity through oral transmission
• Female poets, often unnamed, contributed significantly to love themes and emotional expression
• Collective efforts of poets established Goryeo Gayo as distinct genre in Korean literature

Impact on Genre Development

• Yi Kyu-bo's works legitimized vernacular poetry among scholarly elite
• Choe Chung's compositions set early standards for Goryeo Gayo structure and themes
• Jeong Ji-sang's preservation efforts ensured continuity of Goryeo Gayo into Joseon dynasty
• Anonymous poets expanded thematic range and popularized genre among general population
• Female poets introduced unique perspectives on love and relationships in Goryeo society
• Diverse contributions created rich tapestry of voices and experiences in Goryeo Gayo tradition

Goryeo Gayo as a Reflection of Society

Social and Cultural Insights

• Expressed everyday experiences and emotions across different social classes
• Provided glimpses into Goryeo society's values, beliefs, and social dynamics
• Reflected Buddhist and Confucian influences prevalent in Goryeo culture
• Portrayed tension between official duties and personal desires in bureaucratic system
• Preserved local legends and folk beliefs as repository of cultural memory
• Demonstrated importance of music and oral tradition in Goryeo cultural life

Aesthetic and Cultural Significance

• Emphasized harmony with nature aligned with Goryeo period aesthetic values
• Prized authentic emotional experiences in poetic expression
• Served both entertainment and ceremonial functions in Goryeo society
• Contributed to development of distinct Korean cultural identity
• Acted as medium for cultural transmission across social classes
• Reflected evolving linguistic and literary preferences of Goryeo period